Stihl is a company that's known for its high-quality outdoor power tools and landscaping equipment. The Stihl HS 45 is a lightweight hedge trimmer that's designed for easy use around the home. If you've lost the manual that contains the Stihl HS 45 starting instructions, the procedure isn't that complicated. However, just like all power tools, there are safety factors you must consider first.
Safety Considerations for Trimmers
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The Stihl hedge trimmer consists of a double-sided reciprocating blade that is 18 inches long and is designed specifically to cut through hedges, bushes and overhanging branches with ease. While the HS 45 includes a cutter guard and a hand guard, there's still always an inherent danger when using any powered blade, so it's best to be prepared.
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Wear safety glasses, heavy-duty working gloves, ear mufflers (or other sound protection), secure work clothing and heavy boots. Ensure that the area in which you're intending to work has been prepared. This means that all tripping hazards have been eliminated, and the plants you intend to trim are easily accessible.
Preparing the HS 45 Hedge Trimmer
Most Stihl hedge trimmers use a mix of unleaded gasoline and two-stroke engine oil. You'll need to mix 89 octane unleaded gas and a two-stroke air-cooled engine oil at a ratio of 50:1. You'll want to fuel up the hedge trimmer before use. Luckily, most Stihl models have a transparent fuel tank so that you can see when it needs to be refilled.
Use caution when refueling the hedge trimmer. Gasoline is explosive, so never mess with the gas tank while the tool is still warm or while in the presence of any other equipment that could produce a spark.
Stihl HS 45 Starting Instructions
The on/off switch on Stihl hedge trimmers is marked with "O" for off and "I" for on. First, move the switch to the "I" position. There are two triggers on the handle – the top is the throttle trigger lockout, and the bottom is the throttle trigger itself. Press down the top trigger and then squeeze the bottom trigger and hold them both in position. Press the starting throttle lock on the left side of the handle. Once this button has been pressed, you can release the lock and triggers.
Then, find the choke lever, which is located on the right-hand side of the motor. The choke lever has two settings: a downward diagonal line (if the engine is cold and hasn't yet been used that day) and a vertical line (if the engine is warm or if the engine has been running). Choose the appropriate position for the choke lever. Beside the choke lever is the manual fuel bulb. Press this bulb at least five times even if it feels like the bulb is already full of fuel.
Next, safely set the hedge trimmer on the ground. Remove the protective blade scabbard and put it in a safe place. Make sure the hedge trimmer is level with nothing in reach of the blade and that you are in a stable position. Grab the front handle with one hand and firmly press down to hold the unit in place. With your other hand, find the starter grip and pull it slowly until you feel it engage. Once engaged, pull the starter grip with more force. Guide the rope back into the housing and continue to pull the starter grip until the engine starts.